In Peace...

Do you have one of those books of the Bible that you don’t exactly love reading? It’s okay to say yes. I think we all probably have one or two books that we’d rather skip over than dive into daily. For me one of those books is Psalms. 

“What? She doesn’t like the psalms, the rich poetry and beautiful songs?” Sure, they’re great in their own way, but it isn’t the first book I’d choose to read with my morning coffee. Don’t get me wrong, I love that they are God’s Word, and at times they do speak to me. Just last week was one of those times; I was struck by a particular verse in Psalms.

I had read the verse many times before, or at least heard it spoken in church or a bible study, seen it written in someone’s social media post or a nice card, but this time it really made me think. I do believe God always puts the right words in front of you when you need them.

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety”
Psalm 4:8. 

Safety.

It’s a big topic lately. 

In our everyday conversations had with friends, family, or the cashier at the store, the topic of safety comes up frequently. 

Are we or our children and loved ones safe from illnesses, strangers, the internet? The list could go on. 

The verse that struck me the other day from the psalms says, “In peace…”

How often are you at peace? Are you constantly worrying about this thing or the next? Is there fear in your heart about your safety or the safety of your loved ones? What plagues your thoughts?

Whatever it is, I encourage you to ponder the verse whenever you think of it. 

In peace I will live even though my child is sick, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

In peace I will live even though I cannot trust everyone in this world, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

In peace I will live even though I cannot control everything my children will see on the internet, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

In peace I will live even though I might not agree with all the leaders of our country, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Add in whatever it is that plagues your mind and causes you to feel unsafe. The enemy wants you to feel unsafe; he wants you to live in unrest, without peace. The devil doesn’t want you to sleep well at night knowing that you're secure in the arms of your Maker. He doesn't want you to trust in God’s providence. He wants you to doubt the One who holds all things together.

So when that starts to happen; when the devil finds a foothold for your doubt and fear, take the ground out from under his feet and meditate on Psalm 4:8, ““In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

Stand tall and speak those words over your life and the lives of your children, over the lives of all the people in this world. And may Jesus’ peace dwell in your heart and overflow into the lives of those around you. Let others see the true peace you have because of your great and powerful God!